With the festive period drawing to a close, the top of the Championship table looks to be taking shape, with the latest set of results proving significant in the race for promotion to the Premier League..

Current leaders Middlesbrough defeated second-placed Derby County 2-0 at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday, opening up a four-point gap while having a game in hand due to their postponed fixture with Blackburn Rovers.

Aitor Karanka’s side have picked up 52 points from 24 matches, a stunning return made all the better as they currently boast a remarkable eight-match streak without conceding a league goal.

According to Sky Bet, the pre-season favourites for promotion are now in such a commanding position that their odds of promotion to the Premier League come the end of the season are as short as 1/10.

In spite of their defeat at the Riverside, Derby remain in second place with 48 points from 25 and after a tricky festive period containing three away games they’ve pocketed a decent seven points.

Paul Clement’s men have finances to strengthen their squad further in January, thus Sky Bet still sees them as favourites to join Boro in the Premier League next season with odds of 4/11.

Tom Thorogood

I'm a 27 year old language teacher and writer based out in Mexico with a passion for football and swimming. I like to focus on the top European Leagues, especially La Liga, as well as the footballing development in Central and South America. My favourite teams include Derby County, Barcelona and Jagaures de Chiapas.